Amsterdam Direct Enrollment - Conservatorium van Amsterdam
Add to favorites- Amsterdam, Netherlands
You are here
Amsterdam Direct Enrollment - Conservatorium van Amsterdam
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components:
- Music Courses at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (required, up to 15 credits)
- IES Abroad-taught Dutch language course (optional, 3 credits)
Courses
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/DU 101 - Dutch Language in Daily Life | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/DU 101 - Dutch Language in Daily Life | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
While the CvA has several musical departments, IES Abroad students may select either a track in Classical music or a track in Jazz music.
Courses previously offered include:
- Brass Instruments
- Percussion
- Piano and Other Keyboard Instruments
- String Instruments
- Voice
- Woodwind Instruments
- Historical Instruments (Classical only)
- Improvisation (Jazz only)
Please note, due to restrictions by the CvA, IES Abroad students are not able to apply to the following departments:
- AEMA (Amsterdam Electronic Music Academy)
- Music in Education
- Opera
- Pop Music
Once on-site, and in close consultation with the IES Abroad Amsterdam staff, you will establish a personalized, full-time (15-17 credits) course of study that includes applied and theoretical aspects of music study. The mandatory/practical component of the curriculum is a combination of one-on-one and small-group instruction.
Your studies will include highly-individualized lessons with a tutor and participation in an extensive chamber music and ensemble program, that culminate in final performances. Theoretical components aim to develop students’ musical imagination and perception.
Elective Courses
In addition to the required courses, students will also choose electives. The elective component includes additional performance and theory options. Past electives offered within both the Classical and Jazz departments have included courses such as:
- Analysis
- Arranging
- Chamber Music
- Composition
- Conducting
- Counterpoint
- Drama
- Ear Training
- Harmonic Analysis of the Piano
- Harmony
- Music and Social History
- Orchestra or Ensemble Projects
Partner Institution(s)
Conservatorium van Amsterdam
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam takes full advantage of Amsterdam’s established reputation in music to offer outstanding instruction in classical and jazz music performance, theory, and composition. The Conservatorium is dedicated to upholding superior standards of teaching, performing, and creating music through a highly-individualized course of study. It aims to train you to become a versatile musician at the highest level of professional musicianship. If you wish to study at the CvA, you should be a strong Performance, Composition, or Theory major with the motivation and intention to become a professional musician, a music scholar, or a composer.
A member of the Amsterdam School of the Arts, the CvA was originally established as the Amsterdam Conservatorium in 1884. The vast majority of courses at the CvA are taught in English.
Location
Designed by Frits van Dongen and opened in 2008, the CvA’s building includes recital halls, classrooms, practice rooms, and offices. The facility is located in the center of Amsterdam, across the street from the Muziekgebouw, the purpose-built home of contemporary music and jazz in Amsterdam.
Advising & Support
Even though you’re directly enrolling in one of our partner institutions, we’re here for you whenever you need us.
Advising
Before you leave home, we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
But our advising services don’t stop there. While you’re in Amsterdam, our staff is available to help you transition into your new home. Creating a plan of study at a school abroad can be confusing and overwhelming. When you arrive on-site, we are available to answer your questions while you work with your home and host schools to figure out what courses you need to complete while in the Netherlands.
Support
The support services we offer IES Abroad direct enrollment students are specifically designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals as effectively and smoothly as possible. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to—that’s why our staff is there for you.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Amsterdam, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. You share a portion of the cost with IES Abroad. Here are a few possible destinations:
Maastricht
2 Days | Fall
Enjoy a weekend away in the south of the country. Try local cuisine and tour the famous caves that served as bunkers during WWII.
Soccer Match vs. Belgium
1 Day | Fall
Come get a taste for Dutch football culture and cheer for the Netherlands as they play their arch-rival, Belgium, in the Nations League.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Amsterdam is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Amsterdam staff, your fellow students, and the city of Amsterdam.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
Following the IES Abroad orientation, you participate in an orientation at the CvA to get to know the staff and facilities.
Local field trips and activities are also arranged, as well as an overnight orientation trip, where you’ll have the opportunity to further sample elements of Dutch culture and get to know the other students.
Housing
Studio - You will live in a single studio with a private bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom. Your room comes with a bed, desk, chair, storage, and a TV. Washing machines and dryers are available. No meals are provided for this housing option.
Residence Hall - You will live in a single private bedroom and bathroom while sharing a kitchen with other IES Abroad students. Your room comes with a bed, desk, chair, and storage. Washing machines and dryers are available. Varying meal-plan options will be available once on-site.
IES Abroad Housing may vary according to term and availability.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Amsterdam through cultural events, such as:
- Seeing the windmills in the Zaanse Schans
- Visiting a cheese market in Alkmaar, followed by canoeing on the Alkmaar canals
- Touring the Keukenhof tulip garden (spring only)
- Visiting Hoge Veluwe National Park
- Bicycling to Volendam and Marken
- Exploring the medieval castle Muiderslot and the Isle of Pampus
Get to Know Your New City
Cycle Everywhere
Rent or buy a cheap bike and get around Amsterdam the way the Dutch do!
Enjoy Traditional Dutch Dishes
From excellent coffee and sweet stroopwafels and poffertjes (tasty little pancakes), to more unusual fare like thick fries with Dutch-Indonesian peanut sauce or stamppot (a hearty dish of potatoes, onions, kale, root vegetables, and sausage), eating in Amsterdam is a real treat.
Shop the Amsterdam Street Markets
Stock up on fresh produce, cheese, and other food, as well as souvenirs and gifts at the Albert Cuypmarkt. Or dig for the perfect find at the IJ-Hallen vintage market.
Appreciate Art
Amsterdam is home to so many art museums, from the “big ones,” like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum to lesser known gems like the Museum Willet-Hothuysen and the Foam Photography Museum.
Swing Out Over Amsterdam
For a thrill, try riding the swings found on the observation deck on the new A’DAM Tower. Or just marvel at the beautiful 360° views of the city.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in Amsterdam, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Amsterdam Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Amsterdam experience.
The IES Abroad Amsterdam Center is housed on two floors on the Geldersekade 101. Built in the early 1930s as a clothing factory, the building has recently been completely renovated. The IES Abroad Center has several study spaces, as well as classrooms and meeting rooms. The Geldersekade is located in the old city center, a stone's throw from the famous Nieuwmarkt Square. Due to its proximity to Amsterdam Central Station, the IES Abroad Center is easily accessible via public transport.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
- Meet with staff in their offices
- Meet up with friends in the student lounge
- Study in the student library
Other features include high-speed internet, printing facilities, photocopier and scanner access
Our Staff
Chantal Omloo
Center Director
Chantal Omloo earned an M.A. in the History of International Relations at the University of Utrecht and an MSc in Development Studies at the School for Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Her academic focus was centered on economic development in Sub Saharan Africa, and she has published a number of articles in this field.
Prior to joining IES Abroad in 2001, Chantal worked for Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), an NGO based in the United Kingdom. Chantal managed customized programs for IES Abroad out of the London Center before moving back to her native Netherlands to become our Amsterdam Center Director.
IES Abroad Amsterdam Staff
Marie Cambridge
Center Administrator
Flor Macías Delgado
Student and Diversity Affairs Specialist
Anabelle Goulette
Student Affairs & Operations Manager
Maaike Fiselier
Housing & Student Affairs Coordinator
Cathleen Owens
Faculty Liaison & Ed Tech Specialist
Nikki Wester
Team Lead Academic Affairs
Penny Pier
Academic Coordinator
Lucy Barnes
Academic Coordinator
Faculty
For semester students, depending on your program, you will be taught by faculty from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Universiteit van Amsterdam, or the IES Abroad Amsterdam Center. For Quarter students, all classes will be taught by faculty from the IES Abroad Amsterdam Center.
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Fall Ball Abroad
Play Baseball and Softball in Amsterdam!
Calling all student-athletes! Starting in Fall 2022, IES Abroad is partnering with Old World Baseball to offer students the chance to study abroad for a semester while preparing for their spring baseball and softball season. Fall Ball Abroad – Amsterdam provides college baseball and softball players high-quality coaching and access to world-class training facilities.
Fall Ball Abroad is an add-on to our existing IES Abroad Amsterdam Programs. Students who wish to participate will apply to an IES Abroad Amsterdam program, and once accepted, choose the baseball or softball add-on.
We know how important it is to your sports performance to continue working and improving in the offseason. Why not work with international coaches and get stronger in Amsterdam?
Latest from Amsterdam
3 Study Abroad Events to Brighten Up Your Week
"Zoom Around the World" Virtual Info Sessions Are Back!
Introducing Our Zoom Around the World Virtual Info Sessions
Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
